Conditions &
Treatments - Knee Osteoarthritis

Knee osteoarthritis is the most
common form of arthritis in the geriatric population (1, 2).
Thirty-three percent of persons 63-94 years of age are affected
by knee osteoarthritis
(1, 2). Pain, impaired mobility, and reduced muscle
strength are common findings in patients with OA which can limit
activities of daily living (1, 2). Knee osteoarthritis is
primarily characterized by cartilage deterioration along with
associated ligament tearing, bone calcification and changes in
musculature that may cause joint space narrowing (2, 3). Changes
to the joint space can cause significant pain, muscle weakness,
joint instability and decreased range of motion for these
patients (3).

The first line of defense for OA includes weight loss, physical
therapy, and exercise. The second line of defense includes
surgery and pharmacologic intervention (5). Nonsteroidal
anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) are shown to benefit patients,
but are associated with major side effects including
gastrointestinal complications, kidney damage, and potential
fatality (5, 6, 7). Acetaphetamine may also be prescribed to
patients since it has less serious side effects, but it is not
as effective as NSAIDs (5, 6, 7). Arthroscopic surgeries, knee
capsule injections of saline, and tidal irrigation have not been
shown to have lasting proven benefits for the patients (1, 5).
Exercise, however, has been shown to be the most effective
intervention in reducing pain and functional limitation (1).
Given the number of obese patients and geriatric patients that
have limitations to exercise; a health professional such as a
physical therapist is even more further indicated.

Studies have shown that patients can benefit from manual therapy
techniques used in combination with joint mobility and
strengthening exercise by physical therapists (1,5). Manual
therapy can be used for the improvement of elasticity of the
joint capsule and the surrounding muscles and strengthening
exercises can provide increased stabilization and decreased
loading at joint surfaces. The manual therapy treatment
techniques, consisting of passive physiologic and accessory
joint movements, muscle stretching, soft tissue mobilization are
applied to mainly knee joint, and strengthening of hip flexors
and extensors, and knee flexors and extensors are typically
performed (1,5). Studies found improvements in range of motion
(11%), pain (33%), and gait speed (11%) after manual therapy and
strengthening exercise (8).

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carefully before utilization of the Site. The information on this Site is for
informational purposes only and should in no way replace a conventional visit to
an actual live physical therapist or other healthcare professional. It is
recommended that you seek professional and medical advise from your physical
therapist or physician prior to any form of self treatment.